I'm not going to sit here and say I'm all for legalization of marijuana, although I could point to dozens of reasons why it makes sense. One that strikes me right now is that if was legalized we'd be spared of some legal cases like this one: http://www.mapinc.org/norml/v07/n341/a02.htm?134
This guy tested positive for weed once and was sentenced to life in prison...when he was 17!! He had the bad luck of being young, black, and living in Texas. The proof is in the story. It points out a grossly disproportionate case to provide some sad contrast:
"The drug test and life sentence that followed contrasted sharply with another case in the same judge's court, both of which were profiled last spring by The Dallas Morning News. In the other case, a well-connected white man got probation for murder and, despite several positive tests for cocaine and other violations, still avoided prison. "
This kid was in jail until recently. He's now 34!!!
Another story that suggests we need to take a deep breath (we mostly meaning the media) and re-examine the war on drugs. (both in print and on the streets) is this:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/03/19/free.speech/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
This one is pretty self-explanatory. True, the kid was dumb and should have gotten some punishment...but does this really need to get all the way to the front page of CNN.com? Bong Hits for Jesus would make a great T-Shirt though....
Go Bills,
Colin
Word. Colin.
ReplyDeletePeople should not move to Texas.
Marijuana may be dangerous, but that's life. Life is dangerous. Driving a car is dangerous. Riding a bike is dangerous. For some people another combo meal at McDonalds is dangerous. Yet, these activities and a myriad of others remain legal. Fuck, owning a gun is legal. The government may regulate some of these activities, but that's fine. I don't want kids with guns, cars, or drugs.
Let drug dealers become legitimate businessmen that handle disagreements in court instead of the street.